Hollywood report | The Guardianhttps://www.theguardian.com/film/series/hollywood-report
Jeremy Kay's weekly hollywood biz reporten-gbGuardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. 2017Tue, 26 Sep 2017 22:38:07 GMT2017-09-26T22:38:07Zen-gbGuardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. 2017The Guardianhttps://assets.guim.co.uk/images/guardian-logo-rss.c45beb1bafa34b347ac333af2e6fe23f.pnghttps://www.theguardian.com
Wonder women: when will we get a new female-superhero movie?https://www.theguardian.com/film/2014/aug/08/wonder-woman-female-superhero-movies-week-in-geek
As action movies blaze a high-grossing trail with blockbuster female leads, comic-book movies offer only supporting roles to women. A leap of faith is required<br /><br /><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/film/2014/mar/21/scarlett-johansson-black-widow-spin-off-movie">• Scarlett Johansson calls for Black Widow spin-off movie</a><br /><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/film/2013/dec/05/wonder-woman-man-of-steel-2-gal-gadot">• Fast &amp; Furious star Gal Gadot to play Wonder Woman</a><p>How long have comic-book movie fans been crying out for a new film centred around a female superhero? The debate seems to have been raging for the best part of a decade. Back in 2007, <a href="http://www.mtv.com/news/1551562/joss-whedon-wont-write-direct-wonder-woman-despite-doing-a-lot-of-legwork/" title="">Joss Whedon's attempts to bring Wonder Woman to the big screen were knocked into the long grass by the bigwigs at Warner Bros</a>, only for the film-maker to jump ship to Marvel Studios and oversee the third-highest-grossing movie of all time, The Avengers. Meanwhile, the new generation of female action heroes – <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/film/movie/137427/salt" title="">Angelina Jolie in Salt</a>, <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/film/filmblog/2014/apr/04/lucy-trailer-scarlett-johansson-luc-besson-film" title="">Scarlett Johansson in Lucy</a>, <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/film/video/2013/nov/20/jennifer-lawrence-hunger-games-catching-fire-video-interview" title="">Jennifer Lawrence in The Hunger Games</a> – are making the Expendables brigade look like the knackered old tough guys they have become.</p><p>These movies have taken nearly $2bn (£1.19bn) worldwide and rewritten the action movie zeitgeist, yet the best studios can currently offer is the odd supporting part for Johansson in Marvel films. Executives no doubt fear a return to the bad old days of <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/culture/2005/feb/27/awardsandprizes.film" title="">Halle Berry's Catwoman</a> and <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/film/2005/jun/03/dvdreviews3" title="">Jennifer Garner's Elektra</a>, but those films belong to a time when 75% of superhero efforts were poorly conceived, scripted and cast. Marvel has since proved that, with the right director and creative support, it is possible to churn out two new superhero movies each year without exhausting filmgoers' patience. The real question Hollywood should be asking in 2014 is not, "shall we take the risk?", but "can we afford to be the final one out of the blocks?"</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/film/2014/aug/08/wonder-woman-female-superhero-movies-week-in-geek">Continue reading...</a>FilmCultureComics and graphic novelsBooksMarvelAction and adventureSuperhero moviesWarner BrosScarlett JohanssonThe AvengersGuardians of the GalaxyGal GadotFri, 08 Aug 2014 14:54:11 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/film/2014/aug/08/wonder-woman-female-superhero-movies-week-in-geekPhotograph: Kevin Winter/GettyAll lined up and nowhere to go … Warner has not given a release date for Gal Gadot's Wonder Woman movie. Photograph: Kevin Winter/GettyPhotograph: Kevin Winter/GettyAll lined up and nowhere to go … Warner has not given a release date for Gal Gadot's Wonder Woman movie. Photograph: Kevin Winter/GettyBen Child2014-08-08T14:54:11ZNoah's so-solid crew stun US box office as Arnie stumbles over Sabotagehttps://www.theguardian.com/film/filmblog/2014/mar/31/noah-us-box-office-sabotage-russell-crowe-arnold-schwarzenegger
Russell Crowe and Darren Aronofsky steer biblical film to the top, while Arnold Schwarzenegger comes back with a whimper<br /><br /><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/film/2014/mar/28/noah-movie-russell-crowe-darren-aronofsky-review" title="">• First Look review of Noah</a><br /><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/film/series/thepriceofpopcorn" title="">• More from US box-office analysis</a><p>This was the kind of launch from Noah that nobody, perhaps not even backers Paramount and Regency Enterprises, really expected. One week after the scheduled release of Summit-Lionsgate's latest wannabe Young Adult franchise Divergent, Noah was by no means certain to open top. Yet it managed to do so by dint of good old-fashioned spectacle, fine performances from Russell Crowe and his fellow cast and a bushel of scenes of unforgettable virtuosity from director Darren Aronofsky.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/film/filmblog/2014/mar/31/noah-us-box-office-sabotage-russell-crowe-arnold-schwarzenegger">Continue reading...</a>NoahDarren AronofskyRussell CroweArnold SchwarzeneggerDivergentCaptain America: The Winter SoldierGod's Not DeadThe Grand Budapest HotelTranscendenceFilmCultureMon, 31 Mar 2014 13:20:55 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/film/filmblog/2014/mar/31/noah-us-box-office-sabotage-russell-crowe-arnold-schwarzeneggerPhotograph: Niko Tavernise/AP/Paramount PicturesTaking the US box office by storm … Russell Crowe in Darren Aronofsky's Noah. Photograph: Niko Tavernise/AP/Paramount PicturesPhotograph: Niko Tavernise/AP/Paramount PicturesTaking the US box office by storm … Russell Crowe in Darren Aronofsky's Noah. Photograph: Niko Tavernise/AP/Paramount PicturesJeremy Kay2014-03-31T13:20:55ZMark Wahlberg's Lone Survivor runs ahead as Hercules fails strength testhttps://www.theguardian.com/film/2014/jan/13/film-industry-mark-wahlberg
The experiences of a US Navy Seal hunted by the Taliban hit mighty numbers while The Legend of Hercules limped in at No 4<br /><br /><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/film/golden-globes-2014" title="">• Read more about this year's Golden Globes</a><p>Lone Survivor has <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/film/mark-wahlberg" title="">Mark Wahlberg</a> heading a solid cast in an unapologetically gung-ho action tale based on the experiences of <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/sep/04/only-ones-sole-survivors-near-death" title="">Marcus Luttrell, a US Navy Seal</a> on the run from the Taliban after his recon unit encounters an unexpected source of peril. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Berg" title="">Director Peter Berg</a> (Friday Night Lights, Battleship) is no <a href="http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&amp;rct=j&amp;q=&amp;esrc=s&amp;source=web&amp;cd=1&amp;cad=rja&amp;ved=0CC8QFjAA&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theguardian.com%2Ffilm%2Fkathryn-bigelow&amp;ei=6snTUv3jBIG2hQetkIGICQ&amp;usg=AFQjCNHgtMvXfvdaec8SCVWBOUMobczg7g&amp;bvm=bv.59026428,d.ZG4" title="">Kathryn Bigelow</a> so don't expect deep intrigue, but it still works as a balls-to-the-wall survival story. The movie was financed independently and Universal picked up US distribution rights, choosing to launch it in two theatres last week to generate buzz before expanding into 2,875 sites at the weekend. The plan worked, and Lone Survivor took an estimated $38.5m – a pretty mighty number. Will it hold firm to stave off Chris Pine, in action-thriller mode, in Paramount's <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cahEQl838gw" title="">Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit</a> next weekend? Don't bet on it.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/film/2014/jan/13/film-industry-mark-wahlberg">Continue reading...</a>The Legend of HerculesFilmCultureFilm industryMark WahlbergDavid O RussellGolden Globes 2014Golden GlobesHarvey WeinsteinSteve CooganLone SurvivorMon, 13 Jan 2014 13:08:59 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/film/2014/jan/13/film-industry-mark-wahlbergPhotograph: Universal/APTaylor Kitsch as Michael Murphy and (right) Mark Wahlberg as Marcus Luttrell in Lone Survivor. Photograph: Universal/APPhotograph: Universal/APTaylor Kitsch as Michael Murphy and (right) Mark Wahlberg as Marcus Luttrell in Lone Survivor. Photograph: Universal/APJeremy Kay2014-01-13T13:08:59ZThe Hobbit and Anchorman sequels tread lead-footed behind predecessorshttps://www.theguardian.com/film/2013/dec/23/anchorman-hobbit-desolation-smaug-us-box-office
Audiences may be tiring of Middle Earth as takings are down on 2012's An Unexpected Journey, and Ron Burgundy falls short of the breaking news he presented in 2004<br /><br /><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/film/2013/dec/12/hobbit-desolation-of-smaug-review" title="">The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug – review</a><br /><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/film/video/2013/dec/16/hobbit-desolation-of-smaug-martin-freeman-benedict-cumberbatch-video-interviews" title="">The stars of The Hobbit on the latest Tolkein epic</a> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/film/2013/dec/23/anchorman-hobbit-desolation-smaug-us-box-office">Continue reading...</a>The Hobbit: The Desolation of SmaugFilmCultureParamount PicturesWarner BrosThe Hobbit: An Unexpected JourneyMon, 23 Dec 2013 12:37:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/film/2013/dec/23/anchorman-hobbit-desolation-smaug-us-box-officeJeremy Kay2013-12-23T12:37:00ZThe Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug leaves Frozen out in the coldhttps://www.theguardian.com/film/filmblog/2013/dec/16/hobbit-desolation-smaug-us-box-office
It's no surprise that Peter Jackson's Hobbit sequel has opened at the top of the US box-office chart, but could it have done better?<br /><br /><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/film/2013/dec/12/hobbit-desolation-of-smaug-review">• Peter Bradshaw: The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug – review</a><br /><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/culture/2013/dec/06/martin-freeman-sherlock-the-hobbit-the-desolation-of-smaug">• Martin Freeman interview</a><p>Peter Jackson's dragon attack was always going to be top dog by the end of the session, although <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/film/movie/154178/hobbit" title="">The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug</a>'s $73.7m (£45m) arrival wasn't quite enough to overhaul the $84.6m (£52m) December record set by its predecessor, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (though, <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/film/2013/dec/12/hobbit-desolation-of-smaug-review" title="">by many accounts</a>, it's a better movie).</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/film/filmblog/2013/dec/16/hobbit-desolation-smaug-us-box-office">Continue reading...</a>The Hobbit: The Desolation of SmaugFilm industryScience fiction and fantasyPeter JacksonDavid O RussellHarvey WeinsteinFilmAwards and prizesCultureFrozenMon, 16 Dec 2013 17:02:46 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/film/filmblog/2013/dec/16/hobbit-desolation-smaug-us-box-officeJeremy Kay2013-12-16T17:02:46ZHunger Games: Catching Fire is hot on the heels of mighty Thor: Dark Worldhttps://www.theguardian.com/film/2013/nov/18/hunger-games-catching-fire-thor-dark-world
Marvel Studios' yarn earns nearly $150m in US and $332m globally but Catching Fire will be in cinemas for Thanskgiving<p>Marvel Studios' superhero yarn has not wasted its two-week window of opportunity between release and the launch (this week) of <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/film/movie/156229/the-hunger-games" title="">The Hunger Games: Catching Fire</a>. </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/film/2013/nov/18/hunger-games-catching-fire-thor-dark-world">Continue reading...</a>FilmCultureFilm industryAction and adventureAnimationFilm adaptationsUS newsThor: The Dark WorldThe Hunger Games: Catching FireMon, 18 Nov 2013 10:29:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/film/2013/nov/18/hunger-games-catching-fire-thor-dark-worldPhotograph: Allstar/Lionsgate/SportsphotoDressed to kill … Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson as Katniss and Peeta in The Hunger Games: Catching Fire. Photograph: Allstar/Lionsgate/SportsphotoPhotograph: Allstar/Lionsgate/SportsphotoDressed to kill … Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson as Katniss and Peeta in The Hunger Games: Catching Fire. Photograph: Allstar/Lionsgate/SportsphotoJeremy Kay2013-11-18T10:29:00ZGravity still on a high as The Fifth Estate leaks momentumhttps://www.theguardian.com/film/filmblog/2013/oct/21/gravity-the-fifth-estate-box-office
A $500m global tally doesn't seem out of the question for Warner Bros's space smash, but Cumberbatch and co are suffering from lukewarm reviews and apathetic audiences across the Atlantic <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/film/filmblog/2013/oct/21/gravity-the-fifth-estate-box-office">Continue reading...</a>Action and adventureDramaFilmFilm industryBenedict CumberbatchCultureGravityThe Fifth EstateMon, 21 Oct 2013 11:20:31 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/film/filmblog/2013/oct/21/gravity-the-fifth-estate-box-officeJeremy Kay2013-10-21T11:20:31ZGravity floats higher while Captain Phillips finds a mooring at No 2https://www.theguardian.com/film/filmblog/2013/oct/14/gravity-machete-kills-captain-phillips-rush-us-box-office
Five things we learned about the US box office this weekend, including how <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/film/movie/156058/gravity" title="">Gravity</a> hit new heights, why <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/film/movie/147091/machete-kills" title="">Machete Kills</a> failed to cut mustard and <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/film/movie/154494/romeo-and-juliet" title="">enough with the Shakespeare already</a><p>The theory of gravity may have been Isaac Newton's crowning intellectual achievement, but you know something's really kosher when the great American audience gives it the thumbs-up. We refer of course to Alfonso Cuarón's great space thriller of the same name, which is shaping up to be one of those rarities that ticks all the critical boxes while also raking in the dollars. At time of writing, <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/film/movie/156058/gravity" title="">Gravity</a> had notched up around $200m (£125m) worldwide with, one senses, quite a bit left in the tank. Not too shoddy.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/film/filmblog/2013/oct/14/gravity-machete-kills-captain-phillips-rush-us-box-office">Continue reading...</a>FilmCultureTom HanksPaul GreengrassAlfonso CuarónRon Howard3DGravityMachete KillsRomeo and JulietCaptain PhillipsMon, 14 Oct 2013 11:14:43 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/film/filmblog/2013/oct/14/gravity-machete-kills-captain-phillips-rush-us-box-officePhotograph: Allstar/Warner Bros/Sportsphoto Ltd/AllstarTake me higher … Sandra Bullock and George Clooney in Gravity. Photograph: Allstar/Warner Bros/Sportsphoto Ltd/AllstarPhotograph: Allstar/Warner Bros/Sportsphoto Ltd/AllstarTake me higher … Sandra Bullock and George Clooney in Gravity. Photograph: Allstar/Warner Bros/Sportsphoto Ltd/AllstarJeremy Kay2013-10-14T11:14:43ZGravity weighs in at No 1: feel the force and hey – here come the awards films!https://www.theguardian.com/film/filmblog/2013/oct/07/gravity-number-one-us-box-office
Five things we learned at the US box office this week, as Alfonso Cuarón's space story smashes records, and the Spanish language market goes loco<br /><br /><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/film/filmblog/2013/oct/07/gravity-number-one-us-box-office"><br />• Gravity makes out-of-this-world profit</a><br /><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/film/video/2013/jul/25/gravity-george-clooney-alfonso-cuaron-video" title="">• Gravity - watch the trailer</a> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/film/filmblog/2013/oct/07/gravity-number-one-us-box-office">Continue reading...</a>FilmCultureGravityMon, 07 Oct 2013 12:04:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/film/filmblog/2013/oct/07/gravity-number-one-us-box-officeJeremy Kay2013-10-07T12:04:00ZCloudy With a Chance of Meatballs 2: animation sequel chews up its rivalshttps://www.theguardian.com/film/filmblog/2013/sep/30/cloudy-with-chance-meatballs-2
Five things we learned about the US box office this weekend, including why franchises rule and the Spanish-language film that knocked Pan's Labyrinth off its perch<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/film/2013/sep/27/dane-dehaan-metallica-through-the-never">• Dane DeHaan: beat poet, Metallica roadie and, next, James Dean</a><br /><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/film/2013/jan/21/sundance-film-festival-2013-don-jons-addiction">• Sundance film festival 2013: Don Jon - first look review</a> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/film/filmblog/2013/sep/30/cloudy-with-chance-meatballs-2">Continue reading...</a>Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2AnimationFilmMetallicaMusicCulturePan's Labyrinth (El Laberinto del Fauno)Mon, 30 Sep 2013 16:05:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/film/filmblog/2013/sep/30/cloudy-with-chance-meatballs-2Jeremy Kay2013-09-30T16:05:00ZPrisoners in charge at US box office as Emmys 2013 keeps moviegoers homehttps://www.theguardian.com/film/filmblog/2013/sep/23/prisoners-emmy-awards-jake-gyllenhaal-rush
Five things we learned at US cinemas this week, as the Emmys ate our audience and a pimped-up Wizard of Oz shows left-field distribution has benefits<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/film/2013/sep/06/prisoners-hugh-jackman-toronto-2013-review" title="">• Review of Prisoners at Toronto film festival</a><br /><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/film/2013/sep/21/jake-gyllenhaal-prisoners-donnie-darko" title="">• Interview with Jake Gyllenhaal by Paul MacInnes</a><p>One of the reasons why box office for the top 12 movies was down around 16% compared to last weekend was <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/interactive/2013/sep/22/emmys-2013-pictures-tweets-from-the-red-carpet" title="">22 September's 65th Emmy awards</a>. The broadcast always sucks a large portion of viewers away from theatres. <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2013/sep/22/emmy-awards-2013-neil-patrick-harris-hosts-annual-tv-celebration-live" title="">Highlights</a> included tributes to the late James Gandolfini and Glee star Cory Monteith, plus Elton John performing at his first Emmys in honour of the late Liberace. Last year's Emmys drew an average of 13.2 million viewers, up 6% from 2011.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/film/filmblog/2013/sep/23/prisoners-emmy-awards-jake-gyllenhaal-rush">Continue reading...</a>FilmCultureThrillerCrimeJake GyllenhaalEmmys 2013Awards and prizesTelevisionEmmysFilm industryPrisonersThe Wizard Of OzMon, 23 Sep 2013 12:57:33 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/film/filmblog/2013/sep/23/prisoners-emmy-awards-jake-gyllenhaal-rushPhotograph: Courtesy of Warner Bros. Picture/Wilson WebCalm down, we're top at the box office … Jake Gyllenhaal and Hugh Jackman in Prisoners. Photograph: Courtesy of Warner Bros. Picture/Wilson WebPhotograph: Courtesy of Warner Bros. Picture/Wilson WebCalm down, we're top at the box office … Jake Gyllenhaal and Hugh Jackman in Prisoners. Photograph: Courtesy of Warner Bros. Picture/Wilson WebJeremy Kay2013-09-23T12:57:33ZThe Butler serves up top spot at the US box officehttps://www.theguardian.com/film/2013/aug/19/the-butler-us-box-office
Five things we learned about the US box office this weekend, including Weinstein's Oscar push and Ashton Kutcher and Harrison Ford's respective abilities to open a movie<br /><br /><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/film/2013/aug/09/the-butler-review-forest-whitaker">• Lee Daniels' The Butler – first-look review</a><br /><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/film/filmblog/2013/aug/16/the-butler-acting-historical-mimicry">• Tom Shone on The Butler: 'It's cameo roulette'</a><br /><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/film/filmblog/2013/aug/19/ronald-reagan-portrayal-butler-race-issues">• News: Reagan biographers take issue with The Butler </a> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/film/2013/aug/19/the-butler-us-box-office">Continue reading...</a>CultureFilmHarvey WeinsteinPeriod and historicalDramaFilm industryCasey AffleckMon, 19 Aug 2013 11:41:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/film/2013/aug/19/the-butler-us-box-officeJeremy Kay2013-08-19T11:41:00ZUS box office reporthttps://www.theguardian.com/film/2013/jul/29/the-wolverine-hugh-jackman-box-office
The Hugh Jackman vehicle pulled in a mighty $141m worldwide, while critical favourite Fruitvale Station thrived<p>There was only going to be one winner in North America at the weekend and <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/movie/156133/wolverine">The Wolverine</a> obliged, launching from Fox on a rather limp $55m. Nonetheless, the movie's mighty international performance produced an estimated $86.1m, boosting the early worldwide score to $141m. That must have put a smile on the faces of executives.</p><p>The North American opening weekend does not compare favourably with that of the earlier stand-alone Wolverine story, <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/movie/129312/x-men-origins">X-Men Origins: Wolverine</a>. It arrived in theatres back in May 2009 on $85.1m, but Fox studio executives will note that the first origins tale opened the summer season, which tends to generate larger sums than mid-season, live-action releases.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/film/2013/jul/29/the-wolverine-hugh-jackman-box-office">Continue reading...</a>FilmCultureHarvey WeinsteinAction and adventureHugh JackmanMarvelWoody AllenThe WolverineMon, 29 Jul 2013 10:21:05 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/film/2013/jul/29/the-wolverine-hugh-jackman-box-officePhotograph: 20th Century FoxDestroying the competition … Hugh Jackman in The Wolverine. Photograph: 20th Century FoxPhotograph: 20th Century FoxDestroying the competition … Hugh Jackman in The Wolverine. Photograph: 20th Century FoxJeremy Kay2013-07-29T10:21:05ZPacific Rim washes up third as sequels dominatehttps://www.theguardian.com/film/filmblog/2013/jul/15/pacific-rim-despicable-me-grown-ups-2
Guillermo del Toro's apocalyptic adventure can't beat the combined might of Despicable Me and Adam Sandler sequels<p>Warner Bros' robots v monsters mash-up <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/movie/141017/pacific-rim" title="">Pacific Rim</a> arrived in third place at the North American box office this week on an estimated $38.3m. By most standards this would be a decent opening haul for the latest Guillermo del Toro movie. However in these days of engorged budgets and the close attention of a frantic US trade press desperate for headlines on a Sunday, it is simply not good enough.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/film/filmblog/2013/jul/15/pacific-rim-despicable-me-grown-ups-2">Continue reading...</a>Adam SandlerGuillermo del ToroFilmCultureAnimationScience fiction and fantasyAction and adventureComedyFamilyHarvey WeinsteinWarner BrosIdris ElbaMon, 15 Jul 2013 11:23:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/film/filmblog/2013/jul/15/pacific-rim-despicable-me-grown-ups-2Jeremy Kay2013-07-15T11:23:00ZDespicable Me 2 is the star as The Lone Ranger heads for last-chance saloonhttps://www.theguardian.com/film/filmblog/2013/jul/08/despicable-me-2-lone-ranger
Universal's animated sequel logged the third biggest three-day opening of 4 July weekend ever, but Johnny Depp's Lone Ranger will have to pin its hopes on overseas success<p><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/movie/155771/despicable-me-2" title="">Despicable Me 2</a> delivered Universal's second smash of the summer after the heroics of <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/movie/155252">Fast &amp; Furious 6</a>, while Disney's <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/movie/146454/the-lone-ranger" title="">The Lone Ranger</a> limped into second place. Barring a box-office miracle the latter looks likely to be consigned to history as a flop.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/film/filmblog/2013/jul/08/despicable-me-2-lone-ranger">Continue reading...</a>AnimationWesternsAction and adventureJohnny DeppUniversal PicturesWarner BrosFilm industryFilmCulturePixarMon, 08 Jul 2013 14:02:27 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/film/filmblog/2013/jul/08/despicable-me-2-lone-rangerJeremy Kay2013-07-08T14:02:27ZBlockbusters rake in summer cash as ruthless targeting bears fruithttps://www.theguardian.com/film/filmblog/2013/jul/01/hollywood-report-blockbusters-monsters-university
Hollywood is reaping a decent harvest from a tight focus on broadly appealing fare – in spite of the gloomy predictions of Steven Spielberg and George Lucas about an 'implosion'<p>Boisterous summer box office continued to demonstrate the iron-clad credentials of broadly appealing studio fare as <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/movie/155588/monsters-university" title="">Monsters University</a> held its top berth and the top five movies each grossed over $20m. Despite the recent gloomy prognostications of <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2013/jun/13/steven-spielberg-george-lucas-film-industry" title="">Steven Spielberg and George Lucas</a>, by the half-way point, blockbuster season 2013 has shown little sign of cracking up.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/film/filmblog/2013/jul/01/hollywood-report-blockbusters-monsters-university">Continue reading...</a>FilmCultureAction and adventureSteven SpielbergGeorge LucasMon, 01 Jul 2013 12:49:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/film/filmblog/2013/jul/01/hollywood-report-blockbusters-monsters-universityJeremy Kay2013-07-01T12:49:00ZMonsters University takes World War Z to school as it wins US box office battlehttps://www.theguardian.com/film/2013/jun/24/monsters-university-world-war-z-box-office
Brad Pitt zombie flick manages second place despite history of production troubles, while Man of Steel holds third to consolidate its blockbuster status<p><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/movie/155588/monsters-university" title="">Monsters University</a> delivered an emphatic performance to lead the North American charts with $82m over the weekend as the Pixar prequel scored the company's second biggest opening behind the $110.3m set by Toy Story in 2010. This left Superman and the zombies to slug it out for second place. The accolade went to <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/movie/154512/world-war-z" title="">World War Z</a> thanks to $66m – a new opening record for Brad Pitt.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/film/2013/jun/24/monsters-university-world-war-z-box-office">Continue reading...</a>Brad PittPixarAnimationFilmWalt Disney CompanySupermanCultureParamount PicturesMarc ForsterChristopher NolanFilm industryMon, 24 Jun 2013 11:34:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/film/2013/jun/24/monsters-university-world-war-z-box-officeJeremy Kay2013-06-24T11:34:00ZMan of Steel takes off – but will World War Z bring him back to Earth?https://www.theguardian.com/film/filmblog/2013/jun/17/man-of-steel-world-war-z
A June opening weekend record confirms that Superman's invulnerability extends to critical barbs. Now he just needs to fend off Brad Pitt …<p>Raiding the vaults is de rigueur in an industry where the heads of studios are terrified of change and thus as creatively risk averse as their corporate parents. <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/warner-bros" title="">Warner Bros</a> has consistently been one of the more daring purveyors of mass-appeal content, but even its minions are not inured to the allure of conservatism.</p><p>The studio has made much capital out of the <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/culture/superman" title="">Superman</a> franchise and keeps on trying to reinvent the dullest of all the superheroes. To be fair, Zack Snyder's thunderous <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/movie/148371/man-of-steel" title="">Man of Steel</a> is far livelier than Bryan Singer's misguided 2006 entry into the canon, <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/movie/113258/superman.returns" title="">Superman Returns</a>, and while it drew only so-so reviews, it did set a new record for a June opening weekend of $113.1m.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/film/filmblog/2013/jun/17/man-of-steel-world-war-z">Continue reading...</a>FilmFilm industryCultureSupermanBrad PittMan of SteelMon, 17 Jun 2013 12:57:47 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/film/filmblog/2013/jun/17/man-of-steel-world-war-zPhotograph: Sportsphoto Ltd/Allstar/Warner BrosFlying high … Henry Cavill as Superman. Man of Steel set a new US record for a June opening weekend of $113.1m. Photograph: Sportsphoto Ltd/Allstar/Warner BrosPhotograph: Sportsphoto Ltd/Allstar/Warner BrosFlying high … Henry Cavill as Superman. Man of Steel set a new US record for a June opening weekend of $113.1m. Photograph: Sportsphoto Ltd/Allstar/Warner BrosJeremy Kay2013-06-17T12:57:47ZThe Great Gatsby divides critics but doesn't knock Iron Man 3 off top spothttps://www.theguardian.com/film/filmblog/2013/may/13/great-gatsby-iron-man-3
Baz Luhrmann's glamorous remake is set for Cannes after a worthy opening weekend, while Star Trek Into Darkness should knock Iron Man 3 off the top spot in the takings<p>The Talking point of the weekend is the arrival of <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/movie/150967/great-gatsby" title="">The Great Gatsby</a> from <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/warner-bros" title="">Warner Bros</a> and longtime financing and production partner Village Roadshow. <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/baz-luhrmann" title="">Baz Luhrmann</a>'s latest slice of glamour was never going to beat <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/movie/146938/iron-man-3" title="">Iron Man 3</a> in its second weekend, but generated enough interest to open in second place on an estimated $51.1m (£33.2m).</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/film/filmblog/2013/may/13/great-gatsby-iron-man-3">Continue reading...</a>Action and adventureRobert Downey JrFilmStar TrekCultureDramaF Scott FitzgeraldScience fiction and fantasyFilm industryBaz LuhrmannCannes 2013Carey MulliganCannes film festivalLeonardo DiCaprioStar Trek Into DarknessMon, 13 May 2013 14:41:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/film/filmblog/2013/may/13/great-gatsby-iron-man-3Jeremy Kay2013-05-13T14:41:00ZIron Man 3 shows its mettle with $175m US box-office launch weekendhttps://www.theguardian.com/film/filmblog/2013/may/06/iron-man-3-box-office
Robert Downey Jr's future as Tony Stark is uncertain, but the Iron Man series looks set to run and run – and Marvel storylines are becoming increasingly intertwined<p>The summer blockbuster season arrived in emphatic style at the weekend as <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/movie/146938/iron-man-3" title="">Iron Man 3</a> stirred up a torpid US box office to deliver the second biggest weekend launch in history on an estimated $175.3m. Only Marvel Studios stablemate <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/movie/144027/avengers" title="">The Avengers</a> has done better, opening almost exactly a year ago on $207.4m, a figure so far ahead of everything else that it seems as if the only movie that stands a chance of beating it is its own sequel, due in 2015.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/film/filmblog/2013/may/06/iron-man-3-box-office">Continue reading...</a>Iron Man 3Robert Downey JrGwyneth PaltrowFilm industryAction and adventureScience fiction and fantasyFilm adaptationsFilmComics and graphic novelsCultureDon CheadleStar TrekMon, 06 May 2013 13:00:01 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/film/filmblog/2013/may/06/iron-man-3-box-officeJeremy Kay2013-05-06T13:00:01Z